Glue - advice please

[PaulJ]

I recently bought a "middle aged" Norfolk Smuggler, knowing that it needs a fair bit of tlc....... including a new mast. She is Gaff rigged with a wooden mast. This is the first boat I have owned with wooden spars and having weighed the pros and cons with the yard, we have decided to build the new mast from Douglas fir. The question though, is which glue to use........

The options would seem to be Cascophen, which may leave a dark line at the joins, epoxy which I am told is susceptible to UV or polyurethane........

What would the panel advise?

 

[Seashoreman]

You may be better posting this on Classic and Wooden Boat forum?

 

[viva]

I have recently re glued my mast as the original glue had failed. I did similar research to you and got differing opinions on epoxy vs wood glues. I was informed that epoxy is ok if covered with plenty of varnish. I only did my mast last June, so too early to tell yet, but so far so good. I chose west epoxy, because of it's filling properties - I had some big gaps to fill and also because it was one of the classic wood glues that had failed, albeit after 20 years. I'll PM you.

 

[Cloven]

I would recommend Everbuild 5MINPU3 LumberIrwin 5min Polyurethane Wood Adhesive or similar

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00132EEME/ref=gno_cart_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

I have used this on multiple jobs on boats and elsewhere, most recently laminating a new tiller. Great results. Only issue to be aware of is that it does foam on setting so best to remove any excess as it sets but then it sands down no problem. The one referred to above is very quick setting - 5 mins. You can get slower setting versions which give you a bit more fettling time.

 

[Tranona]

Polyurethane glues particularly quick setting ones are less good in big jobs like going a mast up. Epoxy is probably best given its gap filling properties and cured strength. One argument against it is lack of flexibility which may be important in a lightweight mast meant to be bent regularly. Use a slow curing mix to allow maximum working time when assembling and clear away surplus before it cures. Spar varnish will give enough protection against UV on the thin glue lines.

 

[viva]

Glues

Polyurethane glues particularly quick setting ones are less good in big jobs like going a mast up. Epoxy is probably best given its gap filling properties and cured strength. One argument against it is lack of flexibility which may be important in a lightweight mast meant to be bent regularly. Use a slow curing mix to allow maximum working time when assembling and clear away surplus before it cures. Spar varnish will give enough protection against UV on the thin glue lines.

Yes you are right. I should have mentioned that I used West system with the SLOW hardener. I used hyper dermic syringes with horse vet needles to get the epoxy into the narrower gaps!

 

[PaulJ]

Many thanks to all for taking the trouble to reply....... As usual, "You pays your money and you takes your choice"! My main concern with epoxy was it's reported vulnerability to UV but I was not aware that "UV resistant" varnish could help in that respect. The Smuggler's mast is fairly thick and stumpy so I don't think flexing will be too much of a problem and the guy in the yard who is going to build the mast does favour epoxy so, for better or worse, I think that will be the way to go.

Thanks again,

Paul